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Phrasal verbs "short out" vs "sort out"

Differences between short out and sort out

Short out means to stop working suddenly due to an electrical problem, while sort out means to organize or resolve a problem.

Meanings and Definitions: short out vs sort out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Short out

  • 1Short circuit.

    The battery SHORTED OUT when it got wet.

Sort out

  • 1Resolve a problem.

    Has the firm SORTED OUT its tax problems yet?

Usage Examples: short out, sort out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

short out

Example

If you spill water on your phone, it might short out.

Example

The old radio shorts out whenever it rains.

sort out

Example

I need to sort out my messy room.

Example

She sorts out her finances every month.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Short out

blow a fuse

To suddenly lose one's temper or become very angry.

Example

When he found out that his car had been towed, he blew a fuse and started yelling at the parking attendant.

crash

To suddenly stop working or shut down due to a technical problem.

Example

The computer crashed in the middle of an important presentation, causing a delay in the meeting.

cut out

To stop working suddenly or unexpectedly.

Example

The power cut out during the storm, leaving the entire neighborhood without electricity.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sort out

figure out

To solve or understand a problem or situation.

Example

After hours of brainstorming, they finally figured out a solution to the marketing challenge.

straighten out

To organize or resolve a problem or misunderstanding.

Example

She needed to straighten out her finances before applying for a loan.

iron out

To resolve or smooth out differences or problems.

Example

The two parties met to iron out their disagreements and reach a compromise.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in short out vs sort out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: short out or sort out?

In daily conversation, people use sort out more often than short out. This is because sort out is used for more common situations such as organizing a messy room or resolving a conflict. Short out is less common and is mainly used when referring to electrical issues.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of short out and sort out

Sort out is a more formal phrase than short out. It can be used in both casual and formal settings, whereas short out is mainly used in technical or informal conversations.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of short out and sort out

The tone of short out and sort out can differ based on context. Short out often carries a frustrated or annoyed tone when referring to a sudden electrical problem, while sort out typically has a practical and solution-oriented tone, especially when referring to resolving a problem or organizing something.

short out & sort out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Short out

Synonyms

Sort out

Synonyms

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